Thai King's eldest daughter dies at 47 after long illness

Princess Bajrakitiyabha Mahidol, the eldest daughter of King Maha Vajiralongkorn, has died at the age of 47. The royal palace announced her passing on Friday, stating she died peacefully on Thursday evening after her condition worsened due to an abdominal infection.

The princess had been hospitalized since December 2022, following a sudden illness. The Bureau of the Royal Household had previously stated in May that her health had deteriorated, requiring medical devices to support her lung and kidney functions.

Known in Thailand as "Princess Bha," she was the only child from King Vajiralongkorn's first marriage. She was educated in Britain, Thailand, and the United States, earning a law degree from Cornell University, and had served as Thailand's ambassador to Austria. She also held positions with the United Nations and advocated for women's rights.

Princess Bajrakitiyabha held a significant ceremonial role in Thai society and was considered close to her father. She was appointed to a senior role in his bodyguard command a year before her hospitalization. The King, who has seven children from four marriages, has not publicly announced his chosen heir.

Her body will lie in state at the Grand Palace in Bangkok, and her funeral will be conducted with full royal honors. Thailand has strict lese-majeste laws that protect the royal family from criticism, carrying prison sentences of up to 15 years.